Eva Claiborne’s Hen and Dressing Recipe
Overview:
Eva Claiborne’s Hen and Dressing is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, originating from the Taste of Home Website. It’s a delightful Southern-style dressing perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Despite its intricate preparation, the outcome is incredibly rewarding, earning rave reviews from all who taste it!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per Serving: 588.2
- Rating: ★★★★★
Description:
This recipe holds a legacy spanning over 70 years in Eva’s family, a testament to its timeless appeal and flavors. It’s a labor of love, but every step contributes to its unparalleled taste. To streamline the process, some components like biscuits, cornbread, and chicken broth can be prepared in advance, making Thanksgiving dinner prep a breeze!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Salt | As needed |
| Celery | 2 cups |
| Onions | 2 large |
| Dried sage | 2 tbsp |
| Poultry seasoning | 3 tbsp |
| Seasoning salt | 1 tbsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | As needed |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cornbread (crumbled) | 12 pieces |
| Biscuits (crumbled) | 2 pans |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Chicken Broth:
- In a large pot, combine chicken, 1 onion (quartered), 2 celery stalks, and salt.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 90 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Drain, preserving the flavorful broth.
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Mix Dressing Ingredients:
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, crumbled biscuits, 2 cups of celery, 2 large onions (chopped), dried sage, poultry seasoning, seasoning salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Incorporate eggs and reserved chicken broth into the mixture until it achieves a thin consistency.
-
Bake the Dressing:
- Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, ensuring to stir frequently for even moisture distribution.
- After 45 minutes, add the chopped chicken to the dressing mixture and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare biscuits, cornbread, and chicken broth a day in advance to streamline the process.
- Moisture Management: Don’t worry if the mixture appears thin before baking; the moisture will be absorbed by the cornbread and biscuits, resulting in a delectably moist dressing.
- Southern Delight: This dressing embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table or potluck gatherings.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy Eva Claiborne’s Hen and Dressing fresh from the oven, paired with your favorite Thanksgiving sides and gravy for a truly memorable feast.
Indulge in the rich flavors and cherished tradition of Eva’s timeless dressing, creating cherished memories with each savory bite. 🍗✨
